effect 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈfekt How to pronounce effect (audio)
Definition of effectnext
1
as in outcome
a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause better health is always one of the effects of improved hygiene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impact
the power to bring about a result on another religion has a profound effect on our lives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in possession
effects plural transportable items that one owns the family packed up its household effects and moved to Florida

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

effect

2 of 2

verb

as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) classroom presentations designed to effect greater interest in careers in scientific fields

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb effect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effect are accomplish, achieve, discharge, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When is accomplish a more appropriate choice than effect?

The words accomplish and effect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of effect?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

In what contexts can discharge take the place of effect?

While the synonyms discharge and effect are close in meaning, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

When might execute be a better fit than effect?

Although the words execute and effect have much in common, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When can fulfill be used instead of effect?

While in some cases nearly identical to effect, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for effect?

The meanings of perform and effect largely overlap; however, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of effect
Noun
Then -- then why are these tariffs going -- the very same tariffs going back into effect on April 2nd? —ABC News, 9 Mar. 2025 The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has made its first arrest of homeless people after a state law banning sleeping or camping on public property went into full effect this January. —Abe Aboraya, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025 Financial market volatility soared last week as new tariffs for Canada, Mexico, and China went into effect, and investors reacted to a potential slowdown in the U.S. from growing economic uncertainty. —Garth Friesen, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Clocks in most states leapt forward an hour this morning as Daylight Saving Time (DST) went into effect. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
  1. outcome
  2. impact
  3. possession
  4. cause
  5. result
  6. influence
  7. create
  8. resultant
Noun
  • Despite the years of discord, his mother never imagined this outcome.
    — Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The outcome in House District 40B could end Republicans' one-vote edge in the state House, returning the chamber to a rare 67-67 tie.
    — Torey Van Oot, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • The fourth force is climate and acts of nature, which throughout history, has had a bigger impact and killed more people than wars, said Dalio.
    — Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025
  • And Answers For Tuesday, March 18 Forests And Responsible Consumer Behavior Consumer choices significantly impact deforestation.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of impact
Noun
  • One individual was later arrested, and is now facing two charges: trespassing and possession of methamphetamines.
    — Abe Aboraya, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Farmers Insurance has started making payments for furniture, clothes and other possessions.
    — Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of possession
Verb
  • The recoil is enough to knock a drone off course and may cause the operator to lose sight of the target.
    — David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The common cold and diseases like influenza are caused by germs called viruses.
    — Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of cause
Noun
  • That goal against came as a direct result of Pontus Holmberg badly losing a puck battle in the defensive zone, too.
    — Nick Ashbourne, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • What do alleged mistakes made as the results of editorial decisions and/or failures within broadcasters in London have to do with a cohort of people reporting in the most deadly conflict for journalists since the Second World War?
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • The longer the conflict continues in its current trajectory, the more influence and land Russia will be able to amass from the overwhelmed Ukrainian military.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Those who fall into this category show enthusiasm and value connection, collaboration and influence.
    — Kathleen Shanley, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of influence
Verb
  • Often called the holy grail of clean energy, nuclear fusion creates four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than traditional nuclear fission and 4 million times more than burning coal, with no greenhouse gasses or long-term radioactive waste.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025
  • As before, no new money is created when original savings are used up.
    — Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of create
Noun
  • Show how data from customers/employees contributes to product innovations; present plans for sharing resultant value. 2.
    — James Felton Keith, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Finally, the resultant structure was coated in potassium hydroxide, which washes away less stable structures and leaves behind thousands of microscopic pores.
    — Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of resultant

Phrases Containing effect

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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